“I’m actually not an absolute fan of Tadej Pogacar” – Marc Madiot claims world champion’s rival is the real “ultimate rider” of the modern peloton

Marc Madiot does not hand out superlatives lightly, but the two-time Paris-Roubaix winner made his stance crystal clear when speaking this week.

Asked about Tadej Pogacar’s growing palmares and whether the reigning world champion could one day conquer Roubaix, the Groupama - FDJ boss instead pivoted to the rider he believes stands above everyone else.

“I’m actually not an absolute fan of Tadej Pogacar,” Madiot admitted in quotes collected by HLN, before immediately stressing that his respect for the Slovenian remains immense.

But when pressed to name the rider who captures his admiration most, he did not hesitate. “My favourite is Wout van Aert. For me, he is the ultimate rider.”

Despite the headline-grabbing declaration, Madiot refused to downplay Pogacar’s quality or competitive edge. The Frenchman highlighted the 27-year-old’s attitude as one of his defining strengths. “I’m impressed by his mental capacities. When he appears at the start, it’s never to just sit in the wheels.”

He also pointed to Pogacar’s appreciation for cycling’s heritage and the importance of the sport’s biggest races. “He has respect for the value of the great events in cycling. Chapeau. We must support him and encourage him.”

But Madiot believes the debate around Pogacar and Paris-Roubaix has been shaped too much by caution rather than ambition. “Sometimes the media write: ‘Why would he start in Roubaix? He must not take risks towards the Tour…’ No, I don’t agree. In his career, Roubaix would be as important to win as the Tour.”

Pogacar made his debut in the cobbled monument this spring, finishing second behind Mathieu van der Poel — an impressive performance that only fuelled further discussion about what he can still achieve beyond the Grand Tours and Monuments he already owns.

Madiot’s praise for Van Aert centred less on results and more on the Belgian’s all-surface versatility, grit, and ability to shape races across multiple disciplines. Though he did not expand further, his words landed with a mix of admiration and conviction. “My favourite is Wout van Aert. For me, he is the ultimate rider."

Van Aert, who announced his upcoming cyclocross return for 20 December in Antwerp and the Belgian Championships in Beringen on 11 January, is preparing for another season where the Spring Classics will again be a central focus.

Whether Pogacar and Van Aert cross paths on the cobbles of northern France once again in 2026 remains to be seen — but Madiot has made his loyalties clear.